Seasonal & Holidays
Del Ray New Year's Events: 2018 Guide
It's never too early to start thinking about New Year's Eve! Here's your guide to fireworks and other events happening in Del Ray.
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is coming up soon. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.
So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Del Ray if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.
Expect a chilly New Year's Eve with temperatures dropping to 13 degrees. There's a slight chance of more snow, but that would happen hours before the ball drops. As for transportation, Metro is extending hours through 2 a.m. and the King Street Trolley operates through 10:30 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you want to go out..
First Night Alexandria
This annual New Year’s Eve bash takes over Alexandria featuring performances, music and dancing all day long. Attendees can get in on festivities all over the city, with more than 150 performances at 22 indoor venues, live music, children’s face painting an afternoon’s Ninth Annual Fun Hunt with activities for families and pets, and more games.
Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Del Ray residents can join in on the fun as Mount Vernon Recreation Center hosts a children's carnival from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The event will have carnival games for all ages, Becky's Balloon animals, plus performances by Rainbow Rock Band from 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m., How-To Cowboy: Jokefest from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and Mister Don from 6:45 p.m.-8:15 p.m.
Performances will be at some of Alexandria's art galleries, historic sites, churches and even retail shops converted into music venues. The performance genres include rocking rhythm and blues, traditional Irish music, old school funk, acoustic folk, swing and more. As the New Year approaches, dancing in the street begins at the east end of King Street at 10 p.m. The celebration will culminate with a stunning fireworks finale over the Potomac River at midnight.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, from 2 p.m. to midnight
Afternoon activities: 2-5 p.m. including the Ninth Annual Fun Hunt
Performances: 7 p.m.-midnight
Fireworks: Midnight
Where: Performances and activities: at venues around Old Town Alexandria and one at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue)
Midnight fireworks: Potomac River waterfront at the foot of King Street
Admission: For access to all First Night Alexandria events, tickets are $20 November 1-December 10; $30 December 11-31. Tickets for the Del Ray carnival are $15 per adult. Kids 12 and under and active military get in for free. Volunteers get a free pass. The event is seeking volunteers to help with games, selling tickets, and prizes. To volunteer, contact Pat Miller at pmiller1806@comcast.net.
Del Ray Cafe New Year's Eve
Del Ray Cafe will be serving up a three-course meal and the regular menu on New Year's Eve. Reservations are encouraged.
When: Dec. 31
Where: 205 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Admission: $69 per person
New Year's Eve at the Birchmere
Spend New Year's Eve at the music hall for a night of performances with The Seldom Scene, The Eastman String Band and The Plate Scrapers.
When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue , Alexandria, VA, 22305
Admission: $39.50
Big Night DC
The DC Area's Largest New Year's Eve Extravaganza. Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center, National Harbor. Themed party areas encompassing the ballroom complex of the resort. Mardi Gras, Vegas Casino Lounge, ShamrockFest Stage, Retro - Best of 70's, 80's & 90's dance tunes, Electronica Club, Hip Hop Club Room, Karaoke Zone, VIP Lounges, open bar and more.
When: Dec. 31, multiple entry times
Where: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Admission: Starting at $99.99
New Year's Eve Rewind at MGM National Harbor
Join MGM National Harbor to celebrate in true 80's fashion. Dance the night away to your favorite 80's jams courtesy of The Deloreans and enjoy an open bar to toast in 2018.
When: Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
Where: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Admission: $175 and up
Vola's New Year's Eve Party
Come ring in the new year on the waterfront. Vola's will have an open bar, with beer, wine and a signature cocktail until 12:30 a.m., an oyster raw bar, chocolate truffles, a campagne toast at midnight and fireworks over the river. The event is for those 21 and over.
When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
Where: Vola's Dockside Grill 101 North Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $50 presale, $75 at the door
Gatsby's New Year's Eve Fireworks and Yacht Party
Step back into the Roaring Twenties with none other than Gatsby as your host. The event promises a night of Prohibition era fun aboard the Mount Vernon with spectacular views of the Alexandria fireworks. Plus there's an open bar, buffet, a DJ, and an unforgettable countdown to midnight.
When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 31, 1 a.m.
Where: Boarding at MGM National Harbor pier
Admission: $209 through Dec. 20, $249 and and up after Dec. 20
Blackwall Hitch New Year's Eve
Blackwall Hitch is serving a four-course dinner during three seatings at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The 9:30 p.m. event features live music by Vintage #18 and a midnight champagne toast. Call 703-739-6090 for reservations.
When: Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-close
Where: 5 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $69, $99 and $129 for the respective times
Don Taco New Year's Eve Bash
Join the tequila bar for a New Year's Eve with style. The restaurant will transform into a party destination with food throughout the night and a toast at midnight.
When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m. - Jan. 1, 2018, 2 a.m.
Where: Don Taco, 808 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $15-$20
We'll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!
If you want to stay in...
If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:
“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.
Image by Victor Wolansky Photography, courtesy of Visit Alexandria
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